Amazing whales: 4 fun facts to sound like an expert
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What luck! Québec is one of the few places in the world with such a wide variety of cetaceans – there are 13 species to discover. This treasure trove of wildlife naturally sparks a lot of interest and curiosity. That’s why we’ve prepared some fun facts for you to share on your next trip out to sea between spectacular sightings of these (amazing!) creatures.
1. Present long before humans made an appearance
Did you know that whales first appeared 50 million years ago, well after dinosaurs went extinct, but long before humans roamed the earth? They’re thought to be descended from Indohyus, an ancient artiodactyl (i.e., a four-legged land mammal) well adapted for running. In other words, cetaceans share a common ancestor with modern artiodactyls, such as cows, pigs, camels, giraffes and hippos!
2. Giants for 4.5 million years
The first mysticetes (baleen whales – toothed whales belong to the suborder Odontoceti) were 5 to 9 metres long (about the length of a modern minke whale). Their sudden growth coincided with a period of global cooling and the formation of large ice caps in the Northern Hemisphere.
In spring and summer, nutrients trapped in the ice are released into the open water and build up near the coast. Plankton previously scattered throughout the ocean is carried along by currents and begins to form seasonal blooms, sometimes thousands of kilometres apart. Larger specimens with higher energy stores were able to travel longer distances to feast on these fresh all-you-can-eat buffets.
3. A highly developed sixth sense
Many studies have shown that cetaceans can detect changes in the Earth’s magnetic field. This sixth sense is believed to help them in their migrations.
4. On the menu: they prefer krill!
Have you heard of Moby Dick, the huge and ferocious white sperm whale that bit off the leg of the ship’s captain in the novel of the same name? Well, that doesn’t actually happen. Humans aren’t on the menu for any whale species! Interestingly, they don’t like seaweed either.